It was a simple enough request.
If enough people don't like the parking reservation system at Buntzen Lake, they should band together and fight back.
"I am so sick of the parking reservation system at Buntzen Lake," wrote Jeff Struchtrup on a Port Moody group social media page.
"If everybody was to make a complaint about the system, they would be inclined to make changes to make it better so why don’t we all band together as a community and force change?" he suggested.
Struchtrup's suggestion touched a nerve of sorts, with nearly 160 comments on the idea — both for and against.
With only two more weekends left before parking reservations are no longer required, after Sept. 4, it seems people either think the idea is good or bad.
"We really love it and use Buntzen more in the last two summers than all summers before combined," wrote Amy Vunanich
"I agree at 7 a.m. it can be a bit of a knuckle biter to get a spot (especially a full day pass on a sweltering weekend; those feel like Taylor Swift tickets). But generally it’s so great, in our experience."
Another poster agreed, writing: "I think BC Hydro will continue with the res system. It’s operationally much better than before and with thousands of people moving to Tri-Cities there has to be some order to the chaos at the lakes."
Tonnes of spots left open
Others, however, are frustrated by BC Hydro's reservation system because spaces are sometimes left empty even though the system says the lot is full.
"Whenever I go there are tons of spots open — there should be a checkout system in place to allow for more entries," wrote Casey Bee.
"There is no re-rentry, and there is no way to mark you 'exited' in the app," another poster noted.
"Also, if you're no show, either a small fee, or you are locked out from booking for a period of time. I live down the road and go almost every day. There is 75% empty lots ALLLLLLLLL the time."
Among the suggestions included:
- a parking fee or fine as a deterrent for not cancelling
- shorter-term options for one hour visits
- and checking back for last minute passes
The Tri-City News contacted BC Hydro to see if any changes to the system are planned at this time and how many passes were booked this summer, since the reservation system started for the second year on May 15.
Spokesperson Kyle Donaldson said there are no plans to change the system and the numbers aren't in from the summer.
However, he said the parking reservation system reduced parking congestion by 90 per cent, allowing for emergency access.
Passes added, if extra capacity
As well, Donaldson said most people are happy with the parking reservation system, "as it ensures they can plan their visit to Buntzen with a guaranteed parking spot."
"We made some adjustments to the system based on lessons learned from last year, including requiring visitors to set up a user account, allowing visitors to book a time slot starting at 7 a.m. the morning before their planned visit, and towing visitors who stay past their reservation end-time," Donaldson told the Tri-City News.
"We've been actively encouraging visitors to cancel their reservations if their plans change and they can't make their trip to Buntzen. We also monitor use throughout the day and often release additional passes when there's capacity."
Each day more than 1,000 passes are made available, Donaldson said.
Starting Sept. 5, a day after Labour Day Monday, you won't have to reserve to park at Buntzen Lake.
But some people have avoided the parking reservation system altogether simply by taking the bus.
